On the eve of the historic Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour opener, new All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has heaped praise on Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, highlighting his massive impact on international rugby over the past eight years.
As New Zealand prepares to face the DHL Stormers at DHL Stadium on Friday, 7 August 2026 (19:00 SAST / 20:00 EAT), Rennie acknowledged that facing an Erasmus-led South African setup requires constant vigilance against tactical innovations.
“Expect a Few Curveballs”: Rennie on Erasmus’ Innovation
Since taking charge of the All Blacks and steering them through an unbeaten start, Rennie has focused on building a high-tempo, traditional game plan. However, he knows facing the double World Champion Springboks later in the month will present a totally unique challenge:
“Rassie’s a big personality in the game, and he’s had a lot of influence… He is very innovative around what he’s done, and the fact that a lot of people talk about our game is a positive thing, and he’s been a big part of that over the last eight years.”
“We’ll expect a few curveballs coming in the series, and we’ve got a few plans ourselves.”
Stormers Stars auditioning for Springbok Selection
Stormers coach John Dobson has named 11 United Rugby Championship (URC) winners in his matchday 23, with stars like Evan Roos and Ntuthuko Mchunu eager to deliver standout performances in front of Erasmus.
Rennie noted that the chance to impress the Springbok selection committee adds extra motivation for the local players:
“Rassie has shown that he’s prepared to take a punt on good young players coming through, and he’s used an enormous amount of players already this year… I’m sure it’s a motivating factor for them.”
Matchday Squads: DHL Stormers vs. All Blacks
DHL Stormers:
15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel (c), 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Imad Khan, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Hacjivah Dayimani, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Connor Evans, 4 Adré Smith, 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Vernon Matongo.
Replacements: 16 JJ Kotzé, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Ruan Ackermann, 20 Keke Morabe, 21 Wandile Mlaba, 22 Dewaldt Duvenage, 23 Wandisile Simelane.
All Blacks:
15 Josh Moorby, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Peter Lakai, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 4 Fabian Holland, 3 Pasilio Tosi, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 George Bower.
Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 Siale Lauaki, 19 Sam Darry, 20 Ethan Blackadder, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Josh Jacomb, 23 Caleb Clarke.
